JAYSON WILLIAMS Makes case for Don. Jayson Williams never has been at a loss for words. Yesterday was no exception when he dropped in on teammates and Nets officials at the year-ending meetings. And his words were very, very clear and precise regarding the Nets’ coaching situation: He wants Don Casey and the current coaching staff back.
“I want everybody on the same page to have Case as the head coach,” said Williams, down 15 pounds since suffering a broken leg April 1. “Casey is a player’s coach and that’s what this league is about. It’s not about guys who think they invented the game. If Casey doesn’t come back, I’m taking the insurance money and leaving.”
“Or is it vice versa?” Williams laughed. “However they want it. They might not want me back. ‘If you stay away, we’ll hire Case.’ That’s fine. I want Casey back with that staff, Jim Lynam and Eddie Jordan.’
As for Phil Jackson, Williams asks one question.
“When? It could be two years from now. If we have to wait a year, let’s keep what everybody likes,” Williams said. “The ship was going toward that big iceberg and he righted it so let’s stay with Casey.”
Williams, who says his rehab is well ahead of schedule, joins a list of Nets including Keith Van Horn and Kendall Gill who openly shower Casey with support. Stephon Marbury is a Phil Jackson guy, but don’t construe that as anti-Casey. If Casey were retained, Marbury said fine.
“I would have no problem with that,” Marbury said yesterday. “I love Case. He is a good guy.”
What makes Casey an appealing choice, beyond the obvious of experience and player’s coach manner, is the staff assembled with him. Jordan and Lynam are former head coaches who blended well with Casey. As a package, they are a very attractive offer.
“They’ve proven they can win with the group of guys we have,” said Van Horn, who fully expects, and strongly wants, to hear from the Nets about a contract extension this summer rather than trying to get it done in season (he said he would sign the “right offer” Aug. 1).
Van Horn insists he’ll give his views to ownership supporting Casey, as will others who support the status quo.
“All I can do is give my input, but I don’t want to play for anybody else but Casey,” Gill said. “A lot of the players feel the same way.”